Total knee arthroplasty is a successful procedure with good long-term results. Studies indicate that 15% – 25% of patients are dissatisfied with their total knee arthroplasty. In addition, return to sports activities is significantly lower than total hip arthroplasty with 34% – 42% of patients reporting decreased sports participation after their total knee arthroplasties. Poor outcomes and failures are often associated with technical errors. These include malalignment and poor ligament balancing. Malalignment has been reported in up to 25% of all revision knee arthroplasties, and instability is responsible for over 20% of failures. Most studies show that proper alignment within 3 degrees is obtained in only 70% – 80% of cases. Navigation has been shown in many studies to improve alignment. In 2015, Graves examined the Australian Joint Registry and found that computer navigated total knee arthroplasty was associated with a reduced revision rate in patients under 65 years of age. Navigation can improve alignment, but does not provide additional benefits of ligament balance. Robotic-assisted surgery can assist in many of the variables that influence outcomes of total knee arthroplasty including: implant positioning, soft tissue balance, lower limb alignment, proper sizing. The data on robotic-assisted unicompartmental arthroplasty is quite promising. Cytech showed that femoral and tibial alignment were both significantly more accurate than manual techniques with three times as many errors with the manually aligned patients. Pearle, et al. compared the cumulative revision rate at two years and showed this rate was significantly lower than data reported in most unicompartmental series, and lower revision rates than both Swedish and Australian registries. He also showed improved satisfaction scores at two years. Pagnano has noted that optimal alignment may require some deviation from mechanically neutral alignment and individualization may be preferred. This is also likely to be a requirement of more customised or bi-cruciate retaining implant designs. The precision of robotic surgery may be necessary to obtain this individualised component alignment. While robotic total knee arthroplasty requires further data to prove its value, more precise alignment and ligament balancing is likely to lead to improved outcomes, as Pearl, et al. and the Australian registry have shown. While it is difficult to predict the future at this time, I believe robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty is the future and that future begins now

Hip arthroplasty surgeons have various bearing choices to make on behalf of their patients. We make those choices based on our knowledge of pre-clinical wear testing data and the outcome of clinical and radiological follow-up studies. The initial use of conventional polyethylene revealed limitations in its use in younger patients. Modern highly crosslinked polyethylene is a vastly improved bearing surface that means less wear and its consequences. Despite this, registry data still suggests that loosening, lysis and dislocation are problematic causes of implant failure. The functional success of hip replacement surgery, the ageing population and younger patients requesting arthroplasty means we should predict ongoing issues consequent to wear related events even with the newer polyethylenes. Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings surfaces have a long history of successful clinical use. The benefits of ceramic bearings are its superior wear characteristics, the minimal biological response to the ceramic wear products and the ability of ceramics to be offered in larger head sizes. Its limitations have been reports of fracture and squeaking. Fourth generation ceramic articulations have reduced the fracture incidence. Squeaking has been reported to occur in 3% to 20% in different series but revision for squeaking is extremely, low suggesting it is not a significant clinical problem. Edge loading occurs in most hip articulations and is thought to be the primary mechanism in the squeaking event. Modern methodologies of “functional” implant orientation may reduce the incidence of squeaking. While wear and its consequences remain significant issues in hip arthroplasty, the future will require a bearing with reduced wear and biologically inert wear products. This bearing exists already. “The future is now”

The aim of this study was to determine the floor and ceiling effects for both the QuickDASH and PRWE following a fracture of the distal radius. Secondary aims were to determine the degree to which patients with a floor or ceiling effect felt that their wrist was ‘normal’, and if there were patient factors associated with achieving a floor or ceiling effect. A retrospective cohort study of patients sustaining a distal radius fracture and managed at the study centre during a single year was undertaken. Outcome measures included the QuickDASH, the PRWE, EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L), and the normal wrist score. There were 526 patients with a mean age of 65yrs (20–95) and 421 (77%) were female. Most patients were managed non-operatively (73%, n=385). The mean follow-up was 4.8yrs (4.3–5.5). A ceiling effect was observed for both the QuickDASH (22.3%) and PRWE (28.5%). When defined to be within the minimum clinical important difference of the best available score, the ceiling effect increased to 62.8% for the QuickDASH and 60% for the PRWE. Patients that achieved a ceiling score for the QuickDASH and PRWE subjectively felt their wrist was only 91% and 92% normal, respectively. On logistic regression analysis, a dominant hand injury and better health-related quality of life were the common factors associated with achieving a ceiling score for both the QuickDASH and PRWE (all p<0.05). The QuickDASH and PRWE demonstrate ceiling effects when used to assess the outcome of fractures of the distal radius. Patients achieving ceiling scores did not consider their wrist to be ‘normal’. Future patient-reported outcome assessment tools for fractures of the distal radius should aim to limit the ceiling effect, especially for individuals or groups that are more likely to achieve a ceiling score

The inquisitive and skeptical nature of humans drives research. Questions continue to be raised from a basic, applied and clinical perspective related to our areas of interest—be it molecular biology, biomaterials, biomechanics or clinical. The future of research will only be realised by understanding the past and the planning a pathway for the future. Translating advances in the laboratory to the patient are key to improving clinical outcomes. The future holds great promise, as long as we continue to challenge ourselves and ask those fundamental questions of ‘why’ and ‘how’ things happen

With the drawdown from Afghanistan focus turns towards future operations, and their demands on the DMS. Training for surgeons deploying to military operations will have to take into account the decreased opportunities and experience gained by current conflicts. The aim is to focus on current UK surgical training for military operations specifically. A comparison is made with US surgical training. A questionnaire was distributed to UK military surgical consultants in General Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery. A similar questionnaire was sent to deployed US surgeons in SE Afghanistan. Response rates of 55% were achieved. Respondents were questioned on their confidence to perform several key procedures. Most UK consultants were satisfied with their overall training for deployment. Satisfaction rates were high for the MOST course and Danish Surgery. US satisfaction with pre-deployment training was poor. The majority of respondents felt confident to perform all haemorrhage and contamination control procedures in an emergency. However, most felt training for military personnel should be lengthened by a year or more to include greater exposure to other specialties. Whilst satisfaction with surgical training is high, many UK surgeons appear to suggest an increase in specialty exposure in preparation for future deployments

Graphene is a two-dimensional structure that is made of a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms organised in hexagonal shapes. It is considered to be the mother of all graphite or carbon-based structures. It has shown exceptional physical and chemical properties which possess potential future applications. Graphene has an elasticity index similar to rubber and a hundred times tensile strength of steel and is even sturdier than diamonds. It is a very efficient biosensor with its exceptional electronic conductivity far greater than even copper. It is a potential future low cost material and its scalable production ability makes it even more attractive. The rediscovery of Graphene in 2008 saw few potential medical applications, specifically in the field of drug delivery, gene and cancer therapy. Nao graphene has extensive thermal conductivity and reflexivity, which can conceivably change imaging especially muskeloskeletal imaging and notably as a contrast material. It has been found to be a safe and a cheaper IV contrast agent in USA in 2012. Being an efficient biosensor especially in conducting electricity, it could assist in prosthetic and bionic limbs or prosthesis. Its durable stubborn properties, a composition which exceeds the strength of steel and light weight structure may create a potential material to develop into a new generation of a low profile internal fixing devices like plats. Most importantly, its scaffolding cell culturing assets could change the whole concept of prosthesis from mechanical press fit fixation to more dependence on bio adhesiveness

Initially, all surgeons in Australia were generalists and those with an interest in the anatomy of the hand performed hand surgery. Early hand surgeons, such as Benjamin Rank, excelled and Rank and Wakefield's Textbook of Hand Surgery was widely used throughout the world. Eventually, groups of like-minded surgeons formed the Australian Hand Club in 1972, which subsequently became formalised as The Australian Hand Surgery Society (AHSS), in 2001. A very high standard of hand surgery has been achieved in Australia, with most hand surgeons having trained in either plastic surgery or orthopaedic surgery, and then further trained in Fellowships in Europe or North America. Bernard O'Brien and John Hueston achieved international recognition in the field of microsurgery and Dupuytren's surgery. Wayne Morrison has been responsible for pioneering work in toe–to–hand transfer and basic research. Tim Herbert changed the way fractures of the scaphoid are managed throughout the world. In 2007 the AHSS commenced a Travelling Fellowship Programme to facilitate an increased involvement in Australia in academic hand surgery and to foster contacts between hand surgeons of the future. At the present time, the AHSS is concentrating on education and training in order to raise the overall standard of management of hand surgery, particularly in relation to after hours' trauma. This is particularly necessary in rural and regional areas where hand surgery has traditionally been treated by occasional practitioners. There is a risk that hand surgery falls between the two stools of plastic surgery and orthopaedic surgery and the AHSS wishes to further formalise training and education within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) as a single training stream in the future. There are potential threats both within and without, with safe working hours a particular threat in relation to reducing both the quantity and quality of training. The future will almost certainly involve greater emphasis on biomaterials and prosthetic compounds, but trying to ensure a uniformly high standard of hand surgery management throughout the country will remain as a primary focus

Answering the question of what the patient can teach us about the future of joint replacement starts with a look to the past. The modern era of total joint replacement began in the late 1950's with the pioneering work of John Charnley that established the fundamental structure of a total joint replacement with a metal component bearing against polyethylene and provided many disabled patients with a substantial improvement in function. As the application of joint replacement expanded to a broader patient population it became apparent that a better understanding of the mechanics of patient function was needed to provide more rigorous design criteria and objective assessment of design changes. This presentation will examine how improvements in total knee replacement has been aided by objective measures of ambulatory function and the potential for future improvements in joint replacement that can be based on information from testing patients. Specifically, from a historical viewpoint one of the major problems limiting the use of total knee replacement in the 1970's was tibial component loosening. The problem of tibial component loosening could be related to the load imbalance between the medial and lateral surface of the tibia. The load asymmetry at the knee resulting from the adduction moment during gait provided a strong rationale for maintaining proper limb alignment following total knee arthroplasty. The analysis clearly showed that knees with a varus alignment of the mechanical axis were more likely to have a substantial load imbalance creating the type of stresses that would eventually lead to tibial component loosening. When the information from gait studies was combined with both clinical and biomechanical studies, tibial component designs were modified using metal backing of the polyethylene articulating surface and instrumentation was modified to allow for proper alignment of the mechanical axis and avoid residual varus deformity following total knee replacement. Similarly, knee kinematics and moments have been used to differentiate the functional characteristics of different types of designs during stair climbing. Patients with cruciate-sacrificing knee replacements had a tendency to reduce the moment sustained by the quadriceps by leaning forward during the portion of the support phase of ascending stairs when the quadriceps moment would reach a peak value, while patients with a posterior cruciate retaining design were able to sustain normal quadriceps function. The functional differences between the PCL-retaining and sacrificing designs were associated with the normal posterior movement of the femur on the tibia (rollback), with flexion. This finding indicated that TKR design must permit rollback in the early phases of knee flexion to sustain normal stair climbing. This presentation will conclude with a review of the functional performance of patients with an anterior cruciate deficient knee as a basis for addressing the future needs of a knee replacement to permit natural knee movement. Specifically the role of the anterior cruciate ligament will be discussed in the context of the interaction of the curvature of the articulating surfaces in maintaining a functional envelope of movement that is consistent with retaining both cruciate ligaments

Prior to the 1970s, almost all bone sarcomas were treated by amputation. The first distal femoral resection and reconstruction was performed in 1973 by Dr Kenneth C Francis at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York. Since that time, limb-sparing surgery for primary sarcoma has become the mainstay of sarcoma surgery throughout the world. Initially, the use of mega-prostheses of increasing complexity, involving all the major long bones and both pelvic and shoulder girdles, was popularised. In the early 1980s, wide use of massive allograft reconstructions became widespread in both Europe and in multiple centres in the USA and UK. Since that time, increasing complexity in the design of prostheses has allowed for increasing functional reconstructions to occur, but the use of allograft has become less popular due to the development of late graft failures of patients survive past ten years. Fracture rates approaching 50% at 10 years are reported, and thus, other forms of reconstruction are being sought. Techniques of leg lengthening, and bone docking procedures to replace segmental bone loss to tumour are now employed, but the use of biological vascularised reconstructions are becoming more common as patient survivorship increases with children surviving their disease. The use of vascularised fibular graft, composite grafts and re-implantation of extra-corporeally irradiated bone segments are becoming more popular. The improvement in survivorship brought about the use of chemotherapy is producing a population of patients with at least a 65% ten year survivorship, and as many of these patients are children, limb salvage procedures have to survive for many decades. The use of growing prostheses for children have been available for some 25 years, first commencing in Stanmore, UK, with mechanical lengthening prostheses. Non-invasive electro-magnetic induction coil mechanisms are now available to produce leg lengthening, with out the need for open surgery. Whilst many of these techniques have great success, the area of soft tissue attachment to metallic prostheses has not been solved, and reattachment of muscles is of great importance, of course, for return of function. There are great problems in the shoulder joints where sacrifice of rotator cuff muscles is necessary in obtaining adequate disease clearance at the time of primary resection, and a stable shoulder construct, with good movement, has yet to emerge. Similar areas of great difficultly remain the peri-acetabular and sacro-iliac resections in the pelvis. Perhaps the real future of the art of limb salvage will be in the reconstruction of failed major joint replacements where there is great loss of bone stock, and already massive tumour prostheses are providing a salvage pathway for failed standard joint replacement. The final future for limb salvage, however, may not rest with increasing surgical complexity and innovation, but with the development of molecular biology and specific targeted treatments, according to the cytogenetics of a particular tumour. We are on the threshold of yet another quantum change in the approach to cancer management; just as chemotherapy brought a tremendous change in the 1970s, molecular biology is the frontier to make much of the current limb salvage surgery that is performed redundant

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of total knee arthropalsty (TKA). Demand of TKA for the young patients who often have high physical demands is also increasing. However, the revision rate in such young patients is much higher due to polyethylene (PE) wear and instability (Julin J, Acta Orthop 2010). Therefore, next generation total knee prostheses are expected to decrease PE wear and to provide stability. Although in vitro study such as wear simulator test provides important information about PE wear, we have often encountered the discrepancy between the in vitro results and in vivo results. Thus we have performed in vivo PE wear particle analysis, and showed that in vivo PE wear was affected by the design of articulating surface and the materials of femoral component and PE insert (Minoda Y, JBJS Am 2009). Medial pivot design, ceramic femoral component, and highly cross-linked PE decreased in vivo PE wear particle generation. Patients who underwent bilateral staged TKAs were more likely to prefer medial pivot prosthesis or ACL-PCL retaining prosthesis than the other types of prostheses, because they feels “more stable overall” (Pritchett JW, J Arthroplasty 2011). In vivo fluoroscopic 3D analysis showed that medical pivot and bi-cruciate substituting designs restored physiological knee motion and provided higher reproducibility (Mueller J. Komistek RD, Trans ORS 2009, Iwakiri K, Trans ORS 2007). The excellent mid-term clinical results of those newly introduced total knee prosthesis, such as alumina medial pivot TKA (Iida T, ORS 2008), medial pivot TKA (Mannan K, JBJS Br 2009, Kakachalions T, Knee 2009), ACL-PCL retaining TKA (Clouter JM, JBJS Am 1999), and highly cross-linked PE (Hodrick JT, CORR 2008), have been reported. From the point of view of in vivo PE wear, in vivo stability, and the mid-term clinical results, we suspect that medial pivot prosthesis is one of the prostheses which meet the demand in future especially for young active patients

Thirty years ago, rotator cuff surgery was exceedingly uncommon and shoulder arthroplasty almost unknown. Surgery for shoulder instability was largely empirical, non-anatomical and frequently unsuccessful. With the help of arthroscopy and MR scanning, a complex array of labral, ligament and tendon pathologies can now be recognised and treated, precisely and predictably. Anatomy-restoring arthroscopic techniques have largely replaced open stabilisation surgery. As life expectancy rises and citizens remain active into their seventh and eighth decades, the call for rotator cuff surgery has risen dramatically. Complex tendon transfers have expanded the indications for cuff surgery. Open repair has in part been supplanted by increasingly sophisticated arthroscopic techniques. The potential use of orthobiologics and stem cells promises further advances in the foreseeable future. Following the successful development of humeral hemiarthroplasty, and later of total shoulder replacement, surgical techniques and clinical indications for arthroplasty are now well refined. Predictable outcomes have been further enhanced by the present generation of ‘anatomic’ prostheses. More recently, the ‘rediscovery’ and improvement of semi-constrained (reverse) prostheses has transformed the previously dismal outlook for sufferers of cuff arthropathy and similar conditions. Many Australian Orthopaedic Association trainees undertake post-specialisation fellowships in shoulder surgery, both at home and abroad, and there is a steady flow of young overseas fellows through Australian shoulder units. The Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia, founded in 1990 as a loose grouping of interested colleagues, now boasts over 70 active members. Australian surgeons and researchers are well represented in the prestigious Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and Australian shoulder surgery has come of age

Fast-track THA and TKA is a dynamic process combining clinical and logistical enhancements to ensure the best outcome for all patients regarding faster early functional recovery and reduced morbidity. Focus is on reducing convalescence by ensuring a smooth pathway with the best available clinical treatment from admission to discharge – and beyond. Main focus areas include pain treatment, mobilization, organizational aspects, traditions, and care principles. Outcome is typically evaluated as: a) length of stay in hospital (LOS), patient satisfaction, and reduced convalescence in the form of earlier achievement of functional milestones; b) safety aspects (reduced morbidity and mortality in the form of complications and readmissions in general and dislocations/manipulations in specific); c) feasibility (can the track be applied to other subgroups of patients, i.e. bilaterals or revisions?); and d) economic savings. Favorable outcomes regarding all these parameters have been documented for fast-track THA and TKA which has also resulted in the development of a Rapid Recovery Programme (Biomet). LOS is now 1–2 days for unselected patients in leading departments with few readmissions, high patient satisfaction and economic savings. In Denmark, the nationwide median LOS is now 4 days and improved logistic features include homogeneous entities, regular staff, high level of continuity, preoperative information including intended LOS, admission on the day of surgery and functional discharge criteria. The improved clinical features include both intraoperative (spinal anesthesia, local infiltration analgesia (LIA), plans for fluid therapy, small standard incisions, no drains, compression bandages and cooling) and postoperative (deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis starting 6–8 hours postoperatively, multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia, early mobilization and discharge when functional criteria are met) facilitating early rehabilitation and discharge. Future challenges include identification of high-pain responders to improve multimodal pain treatment; identification of high-risk patients regarding complications in fast-track set-ups; how to reduce postoperative cognitive dysfunction; how to reduce orthostatic intolerance; and when how and to whom to initiate and give rehabilitation

Introduction. Computer aided surgery aims to improve surgical outcomes with image-based guidance. Navigated Freehand bone Cutting (NFC) takes this further by eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical jigs. Multiple previous experiments on plastic and porcine bones, performed by surgeons with different level of expertise, suggested that the NFC technique was feasible. This study pushes NFC further by using the technique to perform complete total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries on cadavers (including implant cementing of tibia and femur). Materials and Methods. A single surgeon performed a series of TKR surgeries on full cadaveric legs. Cruciate sacrificing implants were selected because these were considered more challenging for a freehand cutting approach due to the extra number and complexity of the cuts needed around a posterior stabilizing post recess when present. A proprietary NFC prototype system was used, with real time graphics to indicate where/how to cut the bone without jigs. The system comprised a navigated smart oscillating saw, reciprocating saw and drill without any of the conventional jigs typically used in TKR. The tasks performed included (and were grouped) to include pre-surgical planning, incision, placement of navigation pins & markers on tibia and femur, bone registration, marking and cutting, cut surface digitization (for quality assessment), implant placement and cementing, assessment of implant fit and location, and pin removal and wound closing. Results. Experiments ran smoothly without software, hardware, or workflow (logic) failures. One tibia required re-registration after failing the registration validation process, and one reflective ball on the smart saw had to be replaced during surgery due to a defective fastening. Overall average surgery time was 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cutting process took the most time (31% of total time) followed by cementing and bone registration (14% and 12%, respectively). Surface smoothness of the bone cuts on human cadavers was better than what was previously obtained for synthetic bone. Discussion and Conclusion. The results indicate that Navigated Freehand Cutting technology could eventually be used on patients, as surgical time, implant alignment, cut quality, and other metrics are consistent or better than those of conventional approaches, even with this prototype system. New computer-human interfaces under development are expected to reduced cutting, registration, digitization times, promising a faster overall surgery. We speculate that Navigated Freehand Cutting (NFC) is no longer a dream, no longer just feasible, but on the way to clinical trials not too far in the future

When fixing a mid or distal periprosthetic femoral fracture with an existing hip replacement, creation of a stress-riser is a significant concern. Our aim was to identify the degree of overlap required to minimise the risk of future fracture between plate and stem. Each fixation scenario was tested using 4th generation composite femoral Sawbones®. Each sawbone was implanted with a collarless polished cemented stem with polymethyl methacrylate bone cement and cement restrictor. 4.5mm broad Peri-loc™ plates were positioned at positions ½, 1 and 2 shaft diameters (SD) proximal and distal to the tip of the femoral stem. Uni-axial strain gauges (medial and lateral longitudinal gauges, anterior and posterior torsional gauges) measured microstrain at tip of the femoral stem with a standard load of 500N in axial, 3-point lateral and composite torsion/posterior loading using an Instron machine. With axial loading fixation with 2SD proximal resulted in the least amount of strain, in both tension & compression, at the tip of the femoral stem. Fixation with 4 unicortical screws was significantly better than 2 alternating unicortical screws (mean microstrain difference 3.9 to 15.3, p<0.0001). With lateral 3-point loading fixation with 2SD proximal overlap and 2 alternating unicortical screws resulted in the least amount of strain, in both tension and compression, at the tip of the femoral stem (p<0.0001). With torsion & posterior displacement 2SD proximal fixation resulted in the least amount of rotational strain. There was no significant difference between 4 unicortical screws compared to 2 alternating unicortical screws (p>0.05 in 3 of 4 gauges). Fixation of midshaft or distal femoral fractures with a well-fixed total hip arthroplasty should have at least 2 shaft diameters of proximal overlap with a 4.5mm broad plate. It is not clear if 4 unicortical screws or 2 alternating screws are optimal

This paper describes how advances in three-dimensional printing may benefit the military trauma patient, both deployed on operations and in the firm base. Use of rapid prototype manufacturing to produce a 3D representation of complex fractures that can be held and rotated will aid surgical planning within multidisciplinary teams. Patient-clinician interaction can also be aided using these graspable models. The education of military surgeons could improve with the subsequent accurate, inexpensive models for anatomy and surgical technique instruction. The developing sphere of additive manufacturing (3D printing functional end-use components) lends itself to further advantages for the military orthopaedic surgeon. Military trauma patients could benefit from advances in direct metal laser sintering which enable the manufacture of complex surfaces and porous structures on bio-metallic implants not possible using conventional manufacturing. “Bio-printing” of tissues mimicking anatomical structures has potential for military trauma patients with bone defects. Deployed surgeons operating on less familiar fracture sites could benefit from three-dimensionally printing patient-specific medical devices. These can make operating technically easier, reducing radiation exposure and operating time. Further ahead, it may be possible to contemporaneously 3D print medical devices unavailable from the logistics chain whilst operating in the deployed environment.

The use of robotics in total joint arthroplasty is the latest in a long list of expensive technologies that promise multiple positive outcomes, but come with an expensive price tag. In the last decade alone we've seen the same claims for navigation and patient specific instruments and implants. There are various current systems available including a robotic arm, robotic-guided cutting jigs and robotic milling systems.

For robotics to be widely adopted it will need to address the following concerns, which as of 2017 it has not.

1)

Cost - Very clearly the robotic units come with a significant price tag. Perhaps over time, like other technologies, they will reduce, but at present they are prohibitive for most institutions.

As with any new technology one must be wary of the claims superseding the results. In 2017 the jury is still out on the cost vs. benefit of robotic-assisted TKA.

Background. The UKITE was started nationally as a yearly, online, curriculum-based, self-assessment examination in 2007 for the orthopaedic trainees. It remains free if trainees contribute questions. The examination has matured, expanded its services and established over 3 years. The UKITE is funded by DePuy. Methods. The data for the last 3 years of UKITE examinations were collected and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Results. Over the last 3 years the number of trainees increased from 450 to 705. The performance of trainees over the training period up to SpR5/StR7 improves, but falls away in the fional training year. The majority of the trainees prefer a yearly exam and cite improved ease of use over the 3 year period. The quality of questions has also improved over the time with an expanded editorial board of 30 trainees and consultants. Consistently over 90% of trainees felt that there was educational benefit in preparing questions for submission and taking the examination. Although it is not validated, consistently over 3 years over 70% the post-FRCS trainees felt the exam was similar to the official FRCS. The central and local organisation has improved acceptability from the trainees from 80% to nearly 95%. The IT systems and access have improved (97%). Over 99% trainees would like to take the exam again. Conclusion. The UKITE aims to improve access and will be working with the BOA and the Intercollegiate Specialty Board to improve quality and usability over the next year. Future progress will be aimed at expanding the role of UKITE for all levels of trainees working with local educational leads and nationally with other educational bodies and internationally

The transgluteal approach (TG) offers a user-friendly alternative to the heavily promoted anterior approach (DA) to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Our purpose is to illustrate the advantages and details of the technique, illustrate the surgical anatomy that differentiates TG from the “traditional posterior” technique, and point out the surprising similarities to the DA.

Unlike the traditional posterior THA, the TG preserves ITB, quadratus, and obturator externus. The conjoined tendon is released, providing direct access to the femur via the piriformis fossa. Direct acetabular access is facilitated either by using a portal through which reaming and cup impaction are performed or offset instrumentation. Intra-operative digital radiography was used in all cases. We present the clinical and radiographic outcome of 850 consecutive primary THA using the TG.

At 2–6 years follow-up, dislocation rate was 0.3%, cup abduction 35–50 degrees in 97%, 92% used a cane within 5 days, 61% reported driving within the first post-operative week. No intra-operative trochanteric fractures, nerve injuries, or wound problems were observed. Three calcar fractures were wired. Hospital stay averaged 1.5 days, no patient received a blood transfusion if their pre-operative hematocrit was normal, and 88% of patients were discharged on acetaminophen only.

The TG is a reliable and highly successful alternative to commonly used soft tissue sparing approaches in THA. It permits accelerated recovery while assuring optimal component orientation. The surgeon familiar with the traditional posterior approach can embark on a gradual learning curve that can minimise the complication rate as the surgeon learns the technique.

The number of arthroplasties being undertaken is expected to grow year on year, and periprosthetic joint infections will be an increasing socioeconomic burden. The challenge to prevent and eradicate these infections has resulted in the emergence of several new strategies, which are discussed in this review.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1162–9.

To examine all open fractures presenting to Bundaberg Base Hospital—from January 2007 to January 2009—by monitoring the clinical course of the patients, with attention to the time intervals between injury, presentation and orthopaedic treatment. The complications of treatment and the implications for future practice were also examined. A search was performed of all open fractures and compound fractures during the period of January 2007 until January 2009. The eligible patients were selected and their charts reviewed. The time of the injury, the time they presented to the emergency department (ED) and the time to orthopaedic treatment were noted. The site of the fracture, the Gustillo classification and the number of days of admission were recorded. Complications of the fractures were investigated. The impact of time delays and fracture severity on subsequent infections were correlated. A total of 127 admissions were recorded, 38 were excluded and 89 open fractures were included in the study: 54 upper limb, 34 lower limb and 1 pelvic fracture. Thirty-six patients had Gustillo I, 34 II, 9 IIIa, and 11 IIIb classifications. Patient arrival times were as follows: less than one hour (19%), 1–3 hours (44%), 3–6 hours (26%), 6–12 hours (8%) and greater than 12 hours (2%). From presentation, 28% of patients received treatment in 1–3 hours, 3–6 hours (27%), 6–12 hours (22%) and greater than 12 hours (22%). 40.4% of patients received treatment within 6 hours of injury and 59.5% greater than 6 hours. 33% of patients stayed in hospital 24 hours, 1–3 days (44%), 3–7 days (15%) and for greater than one week (1%). There were a total of 17 complications (19%), of which 11 (12%) were associated with infections. Of these, six were superficial wound infections and five were deep infections. Of these deep infections, two were associated with non-unions and one with a mal-union. Four complications were associated with non-infectious non-unions, one non-infectious mal-union. One had a missing bone fragment. Complications were found to be more prevalent when there was delayed treatment of the fractures. The results demonstrate that the majority of open fractures treated are upper limb and Gustillo I in classification. The complication rate for open fractures during the two year period was 19%. These findings provide a base for continued monitoring of open fracture management at Bundaberg Base Hospital